​WHY DONOR SUPPORT IS IMPORTANTAs a non-profit arts organization, Near West Theatre depends on a broad network of public and private support. Accessibility to the arts is a vital part of our mission, so we keep ticket prices affordable. This allows people of all economic means the ability to experience professionally directed, live musical theater. Less than 15% of our costs are covered by box office sales. Your donation enables us to provide on- and off-stage theater experiences for all people - most especially the youth of our community.

INDIVIDUAL GIVINGNear West Theatre welcomes donors at all levels. Extraordinary people just like you contribute at every level. Financial support from individuals is the most important source for Near West to be able to sustain and carry forth our legacy. For more information, please contact Amy Clausen.

Donor Levels:

Executive Producers: $21,000 and above

Patrons: $10,000-$20,999

Sponsors: $5,000-$9,999

Stars: $2,500-$4,999

Directors: $1,000-$2,499

Producers: $500-$999

Designers: $250-$499

Choreographers: $100-$249

Actors: $50-$99

Crew: $25-$49

Friends: $1-$24

CORPORATE GIVINGNear West offers a broad range of Corporate Giving opportunities to support our work with youth and individuals. Started in 1978 to give youth an opportunity to tap their creative energies and be seen by adults in a positive light, Near West has expanded to provide job readiness and performance training skills through the medium of musical theater. In 2005, Near West was ranked the top performing arts group in northeast Ohio among organizations with budgets of $1.5 million or less by the Ohio Arts Council. This rating was based on several factors including organizational and financial management. Companies aligning themselves with Near West can be confident that donations are prudently spent. To explore how your company might partner with us, please contact Amy Clausen.

MATCHING GIFTSMatching Gifts are a great way to increase your donation. To make a matching gift, follow these steps:

Contact the personnel office at your company to check its Matching Gift policy.

If your company matches gifts, complete a Matching Gift form.

Mail the form to Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 along with your donation.

Matching gifts often double your giving power - and help Near West meet its goals. Over 1,000 organizations in the United States match their employees’ gifts to not-for-profit groups. For more information on supporting us, contact Amy Clausen.

COMMUNITY SHARES WORKPLACE GIVING PROGRAMCommunity Shares is a collaboration of 45 progressive non-profits working for meaningful change. Shares provides an easy, effective way for people, through gifts at work, to support the social justice missions of their members. As a member organization of Community Shares, you can support Near West Theatre through the Community Shares campaign at your workplace – simply designate Near West Theatre on your pledge card. When giving through Community Shares, Near West will receive 85% of any contribution you make. To find out more about adding Community Shares to your workplace campaign, call Community Shares at 216-361-9920 or visit their website at: www.communityshares.org.

BECOME A BENEFIT SPONSORYou can support Near West by becoming an Official Sponsor of this gala event. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels and offer significant benefits. For additional information, contact Amy Clausen.

We have now moved into our new, energy-efficient home and have hit the stage running as we continue our 37-year legacy of art and mission into a new era. However, we still have a special goal to reach before we realize our full potential in this long-awaited space! We have installed mutable theatrical seating and risers in our space, and YOU can put your name on one! For only $300, you can sponsor a seat and have YOUR NAME on one of the new foldable theatrical seats in our new home! You can also sponsor one of our special Loft seats for $1,000, or an entire riser for $2,500!

Be part of our history and take part in our Take Your Seat Campaign in our new theater!

NEAR WEST THEATRE'S LEGACYYour long-term philanthropic goals can help Near West continue to serve our community for generations. When you make a legacy gift, you create a permanent remembrance ensuring that your philanthropic goals are fulfilled as well as determine the future for Near West. For more information, contact Amy Clausen. Or make an outright gift to our fund at The Cleveland Foundation by clicking the button below and selecting “Near West Theatre Endowment Fund.”

HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT NEAR WEST THEATRE?There are many opportunities to become involved in the life of the theater. Volunteer, become a donor, audition for a show, attend our special events. Visit our GET INVOLVEDpage to choose how you can help create extraordinary theater!